[sheri257]

Originally Posted by SoCal78

Not really much of a difference and hasn't been for the last 5 yrs with So.Cal and Vegas gas prices. Pretty much the same and usually equal out.

Sorry if I wasn't clear ... I was talking about driving to Vegas versus staying home in SoCal.

[Chest Rockwell]

I recently paid $8.00 for two cups of Sorbet at Planet Hollywood. I'm reluctant to believe that the price is triple that at Forum shops. Besides, prices are posted. Who in their right mind would pay that, no matter how desperate they are for ice cream.

If the problem is fighting crowds, nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd. I don't think Vegas has much to worry about. There's still a place for the budget conscious tourist in Vegas. It's called the Excalibur.

[sheriff]

Originally Posted by Chest Rockwell

I recently paid $8.00 for two cups of Sorbet at Planet Hollywood. I'm reluctant to believe that the price is triple that at Forum shops. Besides, prices are posted. Who in their right mind would pay that, no matter how desperate they are for ice cream.

If the problem is fighting crowds, nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd. I don't think Vegas has much to worry about. There's still a place for the budget conscious tourist in Vegas. It's called the Excalibur.

I didn't believe it either---they showed me the clearly printed reciept. $26.93, or 7 times more than you paid. I asked if prices were posted, they said NO. I asked about refusal, but the kid had already dug in. Met two CES guys, $149 Sat-Sun, $600 Mon-Wed at the Palms. Supply and demand is one thing, but price gouging will only result in loss of repeat business. Sure, the US dollar is low now, but the Canadian, English, and Mexican tourist will hardly replace the loss of corporate and special event money. Especially with all the new projects, it is my humble opinion, LV is flirting with disaster.

[sheriff]

Originally Posted by olecapt

Note that the hotel occupancy rates and prices are pretty indicative that they know what they are doing. Basically the town is sold out.

CES or similar may have enough leverage to swing a deal...we will see. But it does appear the strip has it down to a science.

It needs the new properties to maintain growth. The biggest problem appears to be getting the bodies in and out.

In my opinion, room occupancy rates are "cooked" via room-pool blocks. And, yes, the next 5 or so years will show whether or not the "strip" has it down to a science. My interaction with tourists of all types is limited to only about 25,000/year, and the consensus is negative. But, what do I know, I've been saying this for 40 years.

[dynimagelv]

as usual Sheriff you are talking out of your xxx......in MOST if not ALL hotels, room blocks trim 30 days out and in the case of wholesalers 7 days out...from there on every room is sold wherever possible. and you probably hold the record....wrong for 40 years.

[cjski21]

KVBC mentioned last night that the CES is obligated to be here until years from now. I don't remember the year but it is a ways off. I'll be moving on before then thats for sure (I don't stay anywhere for long). If CES leaves, I'm sure something else will just pop into it's spot. Do you really think Mr. Adelson will let the Sands Expo and the Venetian sit empty for a week?

[lvkewlkid]

Originally Posted by sheri257

Well ... I have to agree there may be a problem. I was watching a show where a guy from the LV tourism bureau was saying he was worried that Vegas was becoming too much of a hassle ... that the city couldn't reasonably accomodate all of the tourist traffic.

Last time I was there, I have to agree. You do have to fight crowds pretty much everywhere you go. And I get tired of feeling like I'm being ripped off all the time ... even if you don't gamble. I paid for a premium room at the Bellagio and they wanted to charge me additional fees just for using the gym. It was like ... huh?

After awhile ... it does kinda take the fun out of your vacation. Everybody's trying to rip you off everywhere you turn. Not unusual for a tourist trap, of course, but it does get old after awhile.

they charged you because they didn't want you to use the gym, they wanted you to stay in the casino, there's a reason for that...

[PinkString]

Originally Posted by cjski21

KVBC mentioned last night that the CES is obligated to be here until years from now. I don't remember the year but it is a ways off. I'll be moving on before then thats for sure (I don't stay anywhere for long). If CES leaves, I'm sure something else will just pop into it's spot. Do you really think Mr. Adelson will let the Sands Expo and the Venetian sit empty for a week?

CES is obligated to stay until their contract runs out in 2012. Maybe they will change their minds by then and stay in Las Vegas. And maybe Comdex will come back someday too.

[dynimagelv]

You are RIGHT pinkie......and then after that they have the Convention Center reserved until 2025 or so.....

Comdex left when THEY decided that they were so successful they could make MORE if they had MORE conventions around the country.....they soon found that MOST of the people came because they could come to vegas as a tax write-off and that WE had the best room deals.....

and YES the room rates are elevated for Comdex and for CES.....because....THEY DON'T GAMBLE and that what this towns about......

[AA702]

If CES leaves Las Vegas, What city can handle the amount of people? didn't they say 150,000 people attend CES? thats a lot of hotel rooms.